Saudi Arabia’s budget Flyadeal airline expands with South Asia routes

Saudi Arabia’s budget airline Flyadeal is set to expand its operations with new bases across the kingdom and a push into the South Asian market.

Madinah will become the airline’s fourth base, with plans to station two aircraft at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport starting January 1, 2026, and increase the fleet to four planes by 2026. Flyadeal will offer both domestic routes to cities like Jazan and Tabuk, as well as international flights to Cairo and Istanbul, The National writes. 

Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway described the move as a "common sense” decision, allowing the airline to improve its network and better serve both religious and business travelers.

“You can offer a better network, you can squeeze more out of your aircraft … it will allow you to open up routes that you previously couldn't do,” Greenway said.

Flyadeal is also eyeing a fifth base, with Abha being considered as a potential location. However, the airline’s expansion plans depend on timely aircraft deliveries, which have been impacted by industry-wide delays.

“If I don't get aircraft delivered, I can't base aircraft,” Greenway noted.

Flyadeal’s fleet is set to grow to 100 planes by 2030, and the airline aims to triple its network to more than 100 destinations. This is part of Saudi Arabia's broader plan to enhance its aviation sector and increase international connectivity.

Flyadeal is planning its entry into the Indian market in the first quarter of 2026, with initial routes from Jeddah and Riyadh to Mumbai and Delhi. The airline will compete with IndiGo, which recently launched flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh. However, Greenway sees Flyadeal’s extensive domestic network as an advantage:

“You’ve got a massive market [in Saudi Arabia] that has been served by going by a third country, but we want to be the direct link.”

Flyadeal has already expanded into South Asia, adding flights to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The airline aims for a 50-50 split between domestic and international routes by 2030, though growth in international markets is currently hindered by aircraft shortages.

Flyadeal’s plans for India have been delayed due to ongoing aircraft delivery issues, with Greenway expressing frustration over the lack of clarity from manufacturers.

"I don't want to hear anything about Covid being the reason," he said, emphasisng the need for certainty in delivery schedules.

The delayed aircraft would have improved Flyadeal's cost structure, making the airline more competitive as it enters the Indian market.

By Sabina Mammadli